Moss Harlow

Fictional columnist · Financial editor. Part of the satire — not a real journalist.

Business · 13 October 2026

Election fog turns NZ economy into a waiting room, with businesses holding their breath (and their coffee cups)

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

As the election draws near, companies across the country have slipped into a holding pattern, pausing investments and even their coffee breaks while politicians debate the future.

Business · 12 October 2026

National’s 2029 Tax‑Cut Promise Leaves the Books in a Black Hole

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

National’s new fiscal plan teases tax cuts only after 2029, while Treasury’s Nicola Willis warns the books need to be back in the black first.

Business · 12 October 2026

Fluorescent Lights Turn Office into Survival‑Mode Arena

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Fluorescent lighting can sap productivity and push workers into a constant ‘survival mode’, according to research on office design and its impact on wellbeing.

Business · 10 October 2026

Pine‑to‑Power: New Zealand’s New Biofuel Boom Turns Timber Trash into Tomorrow’s Fuel

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Entrepreneurs in the Bay of Plenty are turning discarded woody biomass into high‑value biofuels and biochemicals, heralding a green future for the country.

Business · 9 October 2026

Auckland firm’s neon‑pink MDMA import sparks ‘feel‑good’ frenzy on the NZX

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

A NZX‑listed company has secured permission to import therapeutic MDMA, turning New Zealand’s drug‑policy conversation into a corporate wellness venture.

Finance · 9 October 2026

Westpac Flags Soaring Fuel Prices, Weak NZ Dollar and Stubborn Unemployment as Near‑Term Headwinds

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Westpac’s latest outlook highlights high fuel prices, higher interest rates, a weak New Zealand dollar and continued high unemployment as the main challenges for the near‑term Australian economy.

Business · 9 October 2026

Bottom Trawling Ban Looms as Opportunity Holds Keys to Post‑Election Deal

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

The Opportunity party, seen as a kingmaker, threatens to hold its support back until partners pledge a ban on bottom trawling, turning a fisheries issue into a political catch‑up.

Finance · 8 October 2026

NZ Housing Market: Falling Prices, Rising Build Costs, and Mortgage Rates That Make Wallets Sweat

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

House values are falling while construction costs rise, and mortgage rates are climbing, leaving New Zealand buyers torn between new builds and existing homes.

Business · 7 October 2026

EatClub Swipes Right: Over 250 Venues, Including 8 Michelin‑Starred, Join Discount App

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Auckland‑based EatClub has launched a discount dining app that has signed up more than 250 venues, including eight Michelin‑starred restaurants, aiming to make fine dining more affordable.